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Charred Wooden Shingles and Acoustic Tiles Create a Flexible Micro Living Space

Charred Wooden Shingles and Acoustic Tiles Create a Flexible Micro Living Space
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Utilizing charred wooden shingles and acoustic tiles, the design offers a compact living solution that balances functionality with sustainability, creating a micro space optimized for modern urban lifestyles.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and aesthetics.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
03
Features a bent A-frame design to optimize interior space and natural light.
04
Integrates sound-absorbing acoustic tiles to improve comfort in compact living.
05
Employs a rainwater harvesting system to promote sustainability and resource management.

### Overview

Located in an urban environment, the project explores innovative living solutions tailored to the requirements of individuals in compact spaces. With an emphasis on functional design, the intent is to create a holistic living experience that meets both physiological and emotional needs through the integration of advanced technologies and sustainable practices. The design spans an area of approximately 25 square meters, optimizing the concept of "home" while addressing the challenges of micro-living.

### Architectural Spatial Arrangement

**Modular Layout and Versatility**
The design features a modular configuration that allows for spatial flexibility, accommodating different zones for sleeping, living, cooking, and social interaction. By incorporating multifunctional furniture, the living area adapts to the occupants' daily routines. For instance, a dining table doubles as a workspace, effectively transforming based on the required activity throughout the day. The strategic arrangement also includes private and communal spaces that facilitate both individual pursuits and social engagement.

**Natural Connections and Efficient Management**
Large windows play a crucial role in enhancing the connection between indoor and outdoor environments by maximizing natural light and views of the surroundings. The use of overhead suspension systems for kitchen and living modules aids in efficient spatial management, promoting an open and airy ambiance. The modular design allows for future adaptability, including features like sliding kitchen drawers that enhance accessibility and ease of use.

### Materiality and Sustainability

**Sustainable Material Choices**
The selection of materials prioritizes sustainability, durability, and visual appeal. Acoustic ceiling tiles designed to improve sound absorption contribute to acoustic comfort, important in smaller spaces. Components such as Dri-Design Cassette Systems not only enhance thermal performance but also provide an engaging exterior aesthetic. High-strength wooden slabs are incorporated for structural support, while steel frameworks allow for dynamic design variations.

**Environmental Integration**
To further sustainability goals, features such as rainwater harvesting systems provide efficient water management, essential for minimizing the ecological footprint of the dwelling. Additionally, the inclusion of photovoltaic panels ensures energy self-sufficiency, reducing dependence on conventional energy sources. An anaerobic digester for organic waste treatment enhances sustainable waste management, transforming waste into valuable resources and expanding the residence's ecological resilience.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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